Clean up crew

Joel Jordan · Nov 11, 2017

just wondering if i can put a clean up crew before any fishes?..and if so what are the best options

Clinton · Nov 11, 2017

Joel Jordan said:
just wondering if i can put a clean up crew before any fishes?..and if so what are the best options

Start small and slow. I'll depend on tank size and what your goals are for the tank. With little bio load you can soon starve a CUC.

Joel Jordan · Nov 11, 2017

Clinton said:
Start small and slow. I'll depend on tank size and what your goals are for the tank. With little bio load you can soon starve a CUC.

And what should i start with?

Clinton · Nov 11, 2017

A description of your tank and your end goal.

ReefEco · Nov 11, 2017

Hey Joel - we'll need at least the size and bioload to start, maybe a little about your filtration and what you will be keeping. In general, ignore the 1 snail or hermit per gallon advice that is out there, especially from places trying to sell you clean up crew (more like 1 per 10 gallons is more reasonable) Also, nowadays Trochus snails, one of the best cleaner snails, and Cerith snails are aquacultured (check out Biotaaquariums.com) and is a great choice. I also use IPSF.com quite a bit for their $99 mix and match special for biodiversity, pod starter culture, snails and micro hermits - all tank bred.

Joel Jordan · Nov 11, 2017

ReefEco said:
Hey Joel - we'll need at least the size and bioload to start, maybe a little about your filtration and what you will be keeping. In general, ignore the 1 snail or hermit per gallon advice that is out there, especially from places trying to sell you clean up crew (more like 1 per 10 gallons is more reasonable) Also, nowadays Trochus snails, one of the best cleaner snails, and Cerith snails are aquacultured (check out Biotaaquariums.com) and is a great choice. I also use IPSF.com quite a bit for their $99 mix and match special for biodiversity, pod starter culture, snails and micro hermits - all tank bred.

Hi thanks for the help, my tank is a 20gl tank and i got a couple of zoas today and have a mushroom, also i got a damsell as well, everything was bought today..my goal is just a couple more fishes like 2 clowns and the rest it will be corals, as far as filtration i got an aqueon quiet 50 i know its a poor filtration system but i will be upgrading to a better filtration system soon

ReefEco · Nov 12, 2017

Hey Joel - yes, your power filter is likely inadequate, which may cause you problems in the short term and be frustrating (algae, etc.) If you have the ability to add a sump, and a skimmer, that would be helpful. Do you have an auto top off system, and an RODI water filter unit? Your RODI unit is probably one of the most important things you can buy initially, and ensures you start with pristine water - the basis for any reef tank. With that small a tank, you are probably better off going to your LFS and picking up a few snails (like 2-3) and maybe one small hermit crab (scarlet, blue leg, etc.). I would start with just that, and see how things go. Although much better for many reasons, shipping on so few Trochus snails is probably not worth it, and the $99 special I mention might still work, but probably overkill for your tank at this point.